The gerenuk's name means "giraffe-necked" in Somali. It feeds by standing upright on its back legs and stretching for leaves. It lives in dry country and rarely needs to drink.
Antelopes
Gerenuk
Litocranius walleri
A long-necked antelope that stands on its hind legs to browse.
Size
30-50 kg
Lifespan
10-12 years
Diet
Leaves and shoots of thorny shrubs.
Habitat
Arid scrub and thorn bush.
About the gerenuk
Did you know?
01
It can stand upright for minutes while feeding.
02
It gets most of its water from plants.
03
Males have lyre-shaped horns, females none.
When to see it
Seen all year round; the best sightings depend on where you are.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Where to see it in Tanzania
Trips that go there
Where to meet the gerenuk
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